Accelerating Industry-Scale Mineral Carbonation: A Bold Step for Emissions Reduction
Mineral carbonation is a naturally occurring process where CO₂ reacts with minerals to form stable, solid carbonates.
The Cook Government is taking a proactive step toward reducing emissions with the release of a new research roadmap for advancing industry-scale mineral carbonation. Backed by the recently announced $2.5 million Accelerated Mineral Carbonation Research Program, this initiative forms a key component of the Cook Government’s Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) Action Plan.
Mineral carbonation is a naturally occurring process where CO₂ reacts with minerals to form stable, solid carbonates. With the potential to lock away emissions on a gigatonne scale, this technology could become a game-changer for Western Australia’s efforts to combat climate change. By leveraging mining wastes and byproducts, accelerated mineral carbonation offers a sustainable and scalable pathway to reduce atmospheric CO₂.
The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) has laid out a comprehensive Mineral Carbonation Roadmap to guide the state’s efforts. This roadmap identifies four key areas essential for unlocking the full potential of industrial-scale mineral carbonation: advancing science and technology, ensuring economic viability, understanding social and environmental impacts, and creating supportive policy and regulatory frameworks.
To bring this roadmap to life, MRIWA has launched the Accelerated Mineral Carbonation Research Program, with $2.5 million in funding now available. Expressions of interest are open for projects aimed at advancing research, scaling up the technology, and activating the roadmap’s vision.
This initiative underscores the Cook Government’s commitment to reducing emissions and supporting sustainable innovation. By advancing mineral carbonation, the government aims to position Western Australia as a global leader in carbon sequestration technologies while delivering economic and environmental benefits.
If you’re interested in contributing to this transformative research, now is the time to act. Explore opportunities to be part of this groundbreaking program and help shape the future of emissions reduction in Western Australia.
Page was last reviewed 2 December 2024